United Methodist Communications & Africa University
For Immediate Release
December 4, 2025
UMCom and Africa University empower church communicators
Nashville, Tenn. – United Methodist Communications (UMCom) and Africa University (AU) have partnered to establish a training program for African communicators within The United Methodist Church (UMC). The Certificate in Strategic Communications Management course aims to empower participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to thrive in ministry, and meet the needs of an ever-evolving communications landscape. Only persons chosen at their bishop’s discretion are eligible to apply for consideration by the university. The application period will run from December 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with classes commencing on March 2, 2026.
The eight-week curriculum will focus on: ethics and cross-cultural sensitivity; effective storytelling techniques; crisis communications; digital storytelling; branding, identity and resource mobilization; AI and digital information utilization; data analytics and internal communication strategies; and diplomatic communications, protocol, and etiquette. Weeks one through six will be asynchronous and self-paced online training. The last two weeks will add intensive in-person training hosted on AU’s campus in Zimbabwe.
“This curriculum is intended to help communicators hone foundational communications skills, navigate the obstacles of misinformation and disinformation, and carefully harness the power of AI and emerging technologies,” shares UMCom General Secretary, Dan Krause. “While UMCom has been providing training to communicators throughout Africa, it's exciting to be able to offer an official on continent educational opportunity.”
Africa University’s Vice Chancellor Reverend Professor Peter Mageto said, “Through this partnership, Africa University’s unwavering commitment to equipping transformative leaders who will shape the future of Africa and the Church is on full display. Through collaboration with United Methodist Communications, we are empowering communicators to harness the power of knowledge, technology, and their shared experiences to inspire positive change and connect communities across the continent. This is an exciting moment for Africa University as we continue to lead the charge in education, innovation, and service to humanity.”
“Though we’ve been longtime connectional ministry partners, this certification marks our first official educational venture with AU,” notes Jennifer Rodia, who heads partnerships, news, and production at UMCom. “This partnership with AU is the embodiment of our agency's strategic plan in action. United Methodist Communications’ mission is to engage The UMC through Christ-centered communications, and one of our strategic goals for accomplishing this is to foster partnerships throughout the denomination to create a stronger voice for The UMC. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for the participants and The UMC.”
VC Rev. Prof. Mageto further shares, “We are deeply honored to work hand in hand with United Methodist Communications on this exciting journey and taking the first steps into what promises to be a game-changing initiative. Together, we are sowing seeds of positive change and building a stronger, brighter future for Africa and the Church.”
Additionally, UMCom’s plan to build a joint-branded media and communications studio at AU is a crucial milestone in this partnership. The state-of-the-art facility will not only benefit AU’s students and faculty by enhancing their access to advanced tools and technologies but will also contribute to increasing the capacity for impactful storytelling across the continent. This aligns seamlessly with AU's transformation agenda—empowering Africa’s future leaders with knowledge and resources, enabling them to drive solutions and share narratives that inspire growth, resilience, and unity.
To learn more about the program as information is made available, visit Africa University’s website.
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About United Methodist Communications (UMCom)
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services and resources for communications ministry. Discover more about the agency at Resourceumc.org/Communications and follow them on Facebook.
About Africa University (AU)
Africa University was established 33 years ago as the first private, fully accredited university in Zimbabwe. It is the first university in Africa approved by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. With four colleges, one school and two training institutes, AU is a Pan-African institution that has educated students from over 36 African nations. Visit https://africau.edu/ to learn more and keep up to date on latest news, milestones and programs by following them on Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Brenda Smotherman, Lead of Public Relations
United Methodist Communications
PressCenter@umcom.org
Ms. Jeanette Dadzie, Director of Advancement and Public Affairs
Africa University
dapa@africau.edu